In the big scheme of things, no. Psychologically, yes, it means a lot. The smile on Sir Alex Ferguson’s face at the end of the Community Shield told how much it matters.
The 3-1 victory at Wembley was Fergie’s first against Carlo Ancelotti and sends a message to Chelsea that they may have just got the better of Manchester United last season, but they have by no means gone away. Even with a side you wouldn’t consider to be their strongest first XI, United pretty much dominated the game and were certainly the most potent attacking force.
Chelsea will rightly remain firm favourites for the title this season, their strength in depth and experience will see to that. But United, who are still relying on some seriously old heads in Giggs and the untouchable Paul Scholes to guide the ‘youngsters’, will push them all the way.
This one match means nothing for a season long campaign – how the respective teams fare against the likes of Stoke City and Wolves on a wet and windy day in November will ultimately determine where the title heads this season. But when it comes to the head to head matches between the two something has changed.
United will now believe they can win, whereas last season it seemed like there were elements of doubt. Chelsea will now have those doubts, having been handed a lesson here for the first time. Of course, Chelsea’s pre season has been littered with defeats and this will only count as one more of those. When the real thing kicks off they will be a different animal, but still, this was their biggest rivals beating them at Wembley and lifting the first silverware of the season.
It must have an effect, no matter how little.
Chelsea have work to do, not least at the back, where they have been traditionally strong. Ashley Cole was disappointing on the day and Terry et al played far too deep, giving United opportunities to get at them, demonstrated when the highly impressive Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scored his first competitive goal for the club.
Unmarked in middle, he was found by Valencia, who had beaten Chelsea’s too deep offside trap. What happened next wasn’t for the scrapbook as he fluffed his shot, only for the ball to rebound off his face and into the goal. 2-0 United, whatever.
The opening goal was of far better quality, Scholes’ long ball out to Rooney on the right was immediately put across goal for Valencia to sweep in, the Chelsea defence again AWOL.
Chelsea did pull one back through Kalou after good work from Drogba and it could have been a nervy last ten minutes or so for United had Berbatov not settled the tie with a beautiful chip over Hilario. For Berbatov it was an important goal. He really needs a good season to endear himself to the United faithful.
Man of the Match and the stand out player on the day though was Paul Scholes. He ran the show from the middle and it must be a concern for Ferguson and United’s supporters that their main man is 35. The goals have dried up over the last few years in number, but not in importance – witness the derby against Manchester City last season – and his influence remains intact also.
A replacement is needed and fast, but perhaps not for this season, which could be one of high significance. It is likely it will be Scholes’ and Giggs’ last in football (though you wouldn’t actually put money it!) and what a season it would be if they could lift the Premiership again, making it 19 for United, surpassing Liverpool in the process.
Good omens, too, in the partnership between Hernandez and Berbatov. Both on as second half subs for Rooney and Owen, who did ‘ok’, they forged an understanding almost immediately and, of course, both grabbed a goal. If Rooney is injured or out of form, you now feel that he might not be missed as much as he was last season. We’re yet to see Rooney partner the Mexican, but that has mouthwatering possibilities too.
There’s a long way to go yet, hell, we haven’t even got started, but on this performance United have every chance, while Chelsea need to get that defence back to its uncompromising best. Oh yes, the new season buzz is back.
